Book Beat – The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Margie Lane arrives at the new Mount Rainier National Park in June 1927 to work for the summer, spouting poetry and book knowledge of the creatures and plants that surround her.

Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is jaded. He knows too well how dangerous the mountain is, and he needs to focus on the day-to-day operations of the park – not on a pampered senator’s daughter. Slowly, Ford teaches Margie practical skills to complement her fervor. Slowly, Margie opens Ford’s eyes to the beauty that he’s overlooked. But when a developer with a personal vendetta threatens both the park and Ford and Margie’s budding romance, the two must work together to save what they love most.

A story as invigorating, inspiring, and perilous as Mount Rainier itself! The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett pulled me in with humor and fascinating characters and a delicious romance, then kept me up late as Ford and Margie strive to save the national park that seems determined to kill them. The author’s experiences as a park ranger give this novel both authenticity and passion, and I can’t wait for the next book in the Vintage National Parks Series!